Bacterial vaginosis or vaginitis is a common infection that affects women.Source: iStock Bacterial vaginosis (BV) definition and facts Readers Comments 18 Share Your Story Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an abnormal vaginal condition that is characterized by vaginal discharge and results from an overgrowth of atypical bacteria in the vagina. It is not a true bacterial...
Facts you should know about a breast self-exam A breast self-exam is a woman's examination of her breasts for any changes or abnormalities. Although some women prefer to do breast self-exams, their value in detecting early cancers and in saving lives from breast cancer is controversial. For this reason, many medical organizations do not specifically...
What should I know about breast augmentation (breast implants)? Augmentation of the breast consists of the insertion of a silicone bag (prosthesis) under the breast (submammary) or under the breast and chest muscle (subpectoral) and then filling the bag with saline (saltwater). Smooth implants have less chance of rippling (waviness of skin) than textured (roughened)...
Bone density scan facts Readers Comments 8 Share Your Story About 40% of postmenopausal women in the U.S. have osteopenia (low bone density). An additional 7% have osteoporosis (substantially low bone density). One in three women and one of five men over the age of 50 will experience a bone fracture related to osteoporosis. About...
What is yellow discharge? The causes of yellow vaginal discharge may or may not be a sign of infection. You'll need to check to see if you have any other symptoms in addition to the discharge. All women have vaginal discharge during their normal monthly cycle. It’s the body’s natural way to keep clean and...
What is vaginal atrophy? Healthcare providers usually treat vaginal atrophy with a combination of over-the-counter medications and hormonal therapy. Many people experience the lining of their vagina becoming drier and thinner. This health condition is called vaginal atrophy, which is also known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause. It most commonly occurs after menopause (when someone’s...
Certain things may put women at a high risk of infertility. Infertility is a common problem in the United States, with about 10% of women aged 15-44 years facing difficulty in conceiving or bearing a child. The following conditions can cause infertility in a woman: Ovulation (the process of releasing eggs from the ovaries) disorders:...
What is a hormonal imbalance? Puberty, pregnancy, and aging are examples of hormone levels that naturally fluctuate throughout your life. Research shows that a hormonal imbalance can have a significant impact on metabolism which can lead to notable weight gain. Hormones play an integral role in maintaining many of the important processes within the body....
What Is vaginal itching? Home remedies for vaginal itching include eating yogurt or probiotics, applying yogurt and honey as a topical, over-the-counter medications, suppositories and creams, and dietary changes may help relieve symptoms. Vaginal itching — also known as vaginal pruritis — is an unpleasant experience that can be caused by a range of conditions....
A pelvic exam or a vaginal exam cannot reveal with absolute certainty that a woman is a virgin or has been sexually active. A gynecologist can't tell if you are a virgin by doing a physical exam because of the variation in different hymens and the absence of a hymen isn't an indicator of sexual...